Described by Samuel Pilafian as a “great young brass virtuoso,” Joshua Bledsoe has established himself as one of the premier performers amongst a new generation of musicians.
Joshua has received acclaim on the international stage as an exciting young soloist. Credits include winning the ’10 International Trombone Association Alto Trombone Competition, ’08 International Trombone Association Marsteller Solo Competition, ’07 Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Competition, ’06 Yamaha Young Performing Artist Award and ’04 International Trombone Association Solo Competition. Joshua has performed as soloist with the University of Central Arkansas Symphonic Band, Arizona State University Wind Ensemble, Southeast Missouri State Wind Ensemble, Pensacola Civic Band, Salt River Brass and in opening ceremonies of the Bands of America summer festival.
Equally at home in the orchestra, Joshua serves as Principal Trombone with the Missouri Symphony, and has held positions with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Symphony of the Southwest and Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.
Joshua was born into a family of music educators, and has quickly been identified as one of the brightest educators of his generation, having served on the teaching faculties of the University of Central Arkansas and Arizona State University. He credits his own incredible teachers for his many successes in the field of education. Bledsoe’s teachers include Ralph Sauer (Principal Trombone, LA Phil), J. Samuel Pilafan (University of Miami, Founding Member – Empire Brass Quintet) Gail Eugene Wilson (Principal Trombone, Phoenix Symphony), Michael Becker (Principal Trombone, Tucson Symphony), Mark Lawrence (Principal Trombone, San Francisco Symphony – Music Academy of the West) John Drew (Professor, Florida State University) and Don Snowden (Music Department Head, Pensacola State College)
Joshua received the BM from Florida State University and MM from Arizona State University. Joshua is finishing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from Arizona State University.
Joshua will be performing with the Pensacola Civic Band on October 26th, Morton Gould Centennial, at the Saenger Theatre.